Popular Mechanics
Forester devotees—outdoorsy types who like 15-day backpacking trips—never minded that their favorite car was on the frumpy side. “Hey, frumpy is like backwoods street cred” for the granola set. But this taller, wider, longer Forester is the most stylish in years. The all-wheel-drive system can tackle most terrains, and the rear wiper can actually reverse—“handy if you’re backing down a muddy driveway in a Nor’easter.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The 2009 version of this popular wagon “looks like everything but the Forester” of old. All-wheel-drive and other safety features are still standard—including electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Though braking seems softer, steering is “well-behaved, predictable, and pleasant.” The 2.5-liter, 170-hp, four-cylinder base engine is rated at 26 mph highway. A 224-hp turbo-charged upgrade is also available.
Automobile
Dorky no more, this “grungy earth child” is beginning to look almost normal. The Forester offers “best-in-class outward visibility, particularly to the rear.” The four-speed automatic transmission “could use an extra gear (or two).” But the ride is quiet on the freeway, and the additional cargo space is enough to fit 4,590 granola bars.
-
Could Democrats lose the New Jersey governor’s race?Today’s Big Question Democrat Mikie Sherrill stumbles against Republican Jack Ciattarelli
-
‘Porsche’s luxury credentials are now hanging by a thread’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Choose your own wellness adventure in Greater Palm SpringsThe Week Recommends Hit the spa, try a sound bath or take a hike
